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Legislative Changes to VSDP
Are you covered under the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP)? If so, be aware that legislation passed during the 2009 General Assembly session includes the following changes:
Successive Periods of Short-Term Disability
The time period between successive periods of short-term disability for the same condition increased from 14 to 45 consecutive calendar days. If you go out on short-term disability, return to work with a full release from your physician and then go out again on short-term disability for the same condition within 45 consecutive calendar days, you will be considered to be on the same claim. Your VSDP benefit will resume at the same replacement level. The days worked will not reduce the days remaining on short-term disability, and you will not need to fulfill another seven-calendar day waiting period.
Hired or Rehired on or after July 1, 2009?
If you were hired or rehired effective July 1, 2009, you must complete one year of continuous employment before becoming eligible for short-term and long-term disability coverage for non-work related illnesses or injuries. Your eligibility for sick leave, family and personal leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage for work-related illnesses or injuries and long-term care is effective with the first day of employment.
If you would like to purchase an individual policy for disability coverage during your first year of employment, see the Fringe Benefits Management Company Provider Network Web site. This site provides a list of companies approved to handle payroll deductions for state employees. The Commonwealth does not sponsor any of these companies.
If you were hired or rehired effective July 1, 2009, you also must be employed for at least five years before becoming eligible for income replacement at 100 percent or 80 percent during short-term disability. Until you meet the five-year requirement, you receive income replacement at 60 percent of pre-disability income.
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